“Ji Representative, it’s been a while.”

With a relaxed smile, Yeoreum, who came in, shone more than ever. It was after meeting with the top designer in the country for a perfect setup, including hair, nails, and makeup, as introduced by Yeong.

Secretary Kim, who was guiding them, took another glance.

‘Did Choi Yeoreum always look this beautiful?’

Yeoreum smiled refreshingly.

“Long time no see, Writer Choi.”

Ji Hyun-jeong greeted her with a somewhat awkward tone.

Today, the relatively young and youthful Choi Yeoreum looked even more radiant. In such moments, she felt small and plain. The premonition from the start wasn’t good.

“Thanks to you, I’ve been getting along well with Tae-seok Oppa.”

“Is that so?”

She was tolerating their relationship for Tae-seok’s revenge.

‘What nonsense.’

But she didn’t show it.

“Why did you call me?”
“You can only be pretty as a toy. What’s there to worry about for a discarded child who shines?”

“Are you making your relationship too obvious on set? You should be careful of scandals. Be cautious because there are rumors among the staff.”

Yeoreum briefly contemplated the truth of those words and concluded that it was probably a story made up by Ji Hyun-jeong.

She began the embarrassing acting as planned.

“I try my best to restrain myself. It’s just that Tae-seok Oppa acts too freely, so…”

She couldn’t continue the rest of her sentence and blushed. The omitted part contained the discreet skinship between the young lovers. Ji Hyun-jeong couldn’t hide her discomfort, as Yeoreum intended.

She felt uncontrollable jealousy towards Yeoreum, who casually spoke about Tae-seok’s intimate touch that she had never experienced before.

“What are you doing on the set?”

“As you know, Oppa is so hot-tempered, and I have to get my point across. He usually acts like a beast, so… Ugh. Words can’t describe it.”

Ji Hyun-jeong was embarrassed when Yeoreum brought up a topic that was usually reserved for confiding in close friends. She didn’t want to confirm Tae-seok’s masculinity in such a situation.

“Oppa is healthier than you think, more than you imagine.”

She forced a smile to avoid getting angry.

“Anyway, that guy is really… even in bed… Sorry! I’ve said too much.”

Ji Hyun-jeong turned a muddy color. Yeoreum finally felt relieved.

Yeoreum also had some thoughts. She knew she had to maintain a balance in her plan and play with it. She intentionally showed a slightly depressed expression.

“But our relationship is actually a contractual one… I don’t know what will happen after that. I don’t understand why Oppa suggested having a contract relationship.”

Ji Hyun-jeong laughed openly.

“Of course. That makes sense. Tae-seok probably plans to break up as scheduled. He always does everything according to a plan.”

Relieved to confirm the part she wanted to know the most, she felt like her heart was at ease. The purpose of summoning Choi Yeoreum was to find out Tae-seok’s feelings, and she just confirmed it accurately.

“You fool. Why don’t you experience desperate humiliation for once?”

“That’s probably Tae-seok’s feelings. Anyway, please refrain from skinship on the set.”

“I’m not the one doing it, you know?”

Yeoreum widened her eyes with a bold expression.

“If you must give a warning, give it to Oppa. Of course, you don’t have the qualification to comment on the dating style of affiliated actors. It’s an overstep to meddle in that. If you’re interfering because you like that man, I don’t know. But meddling beyond that is excessive.”

Ji Hyun-jeong almost lost her elegance and revealed her true nature.

Two years ago, she was innocent and cute, but now she calculates her own value and complains. How much is she worth?

There are no proper people who believe in a man and talk big. Choi Yeoreum was no exception.

“It’s ridiculous. Are you now trusting Tae-seok’s words blindly?”
Yeoreum smiled faintly.

“……Yes.”

It was a fox-like smile.

Ji Hyun-jeong stared at those eyes in silence. Yeoreum didn’t avoid the gaze either. Thorns emerged in the uncomfortable and awkward silence.

An arrogant and helpless girl who doesn’t know her place, causing a ruckus without understanding her situation.

Choi Yeoreum seemed to want revenge. It was evident that she was plotting to repay what she had suffered. Now she could act so boldly, but how would she endure it after being abandoned?

People are foolish, and love is even more foolish.

Ji Hyun-jeong now felt pity for Yeoreum.

“Hey, complain within reason. How long do you think you’ll be dating Tae-seok?”

“Well…… Until I want to?”

Yeoreum answered quickly, almost insolently.

“Tae-seok Oppa is deeply in love with me. He says he likes me to death. What’s wrong with complaining a bit? I’ll fulfill anything I want. So, Representative, you shouldn’t speak ill of me anymore. Everyone has their limits.”

“Well, what limits?”

“A hairpin retaliation. You know about that, right? I’m really good at it.”

After finishing her words, Yeoreum laughed brightly.

When the scene of her whispering to Tae-seok’s ear on the bed came to mind, Ji Hyun-jeong wanted to get up and tear out her hair. She struggled to find composure, trying to regain her calmness with deep breaths. She told herself not to fight with a mere toy.

Nevertheless, the anger didn’t subside, and she eventually spoke a word.

“Choi Yeoreum. You haven’t forgotten the video with Tae-seok, right? If you keep spouting nonsense, Seo Tae-seok’s life will only get shorter.”

As expected, Yeoreum immediately lowered her gaze with sad eyes. She seemed uncertain, as if tears were about to fall.

“……I’m sorry. Representative. I momentarily forgot and misspoke…….”

Ji Hyun-jeong, who had been glaring with thin eyes, finally felt satisfaction upon seeing that face.

In the end, she had no choice but to win. It was too obvious.

“Go.”

It felt satisfying deep inside.